Heavy menstrual bleeding is common for some women, and those women usually do not consider it harmful. However, if you suddenly have heavy menstrual bleeding, read ahead because we have listed 5 possible causes of heavy bleeding.
- Uterine complications
Menstruation is the shedding of uterine blood. And every woman past puberty experiences these phenomena monthly.
Thus, monthly periods are not unique. The problem is when you excessively bleed every month. Uterine complications may trigger heavy discharge.
This is a tumor growth on your uterine that is not cancerous. It’s also called uterine fibroids or polyps.
So what causes uterine fibroids and why does it cause heavy menstruation? The hormones responsible for ovulation are the same that develop in fibroids.
During ovulation, estrogen and progesterone stimulate the uterine lining in readiness for pregnancy. But a high concentration of these female hormones results in the development of fibroids and polyps.
They populate the interior and exterior parts of the uterine. These hormonal concentrations are present in four of every five women.
But when the chemicals bloat too big or many, they disturb the surrounding organs. As a result, they cause heavy bleeding during menstruation
But some mitigation measures could also inflame the uterine. The use of intrauterine devices (IUD) is one such factor.
This pregnancy prevention device is fitted in the uterine to protect against sperm reaching the egg. But this device is known to cause menorrhagia.
In case you suffer heavy bleeding as a result, you should consider alternative birth control measures, as per an article on the Mayo Clinic publication.
- Hormonal issues
Estrogen and progesterone are essential for successful ovulation to occur. These levels also need to be precise under the right conditions.
In some women though, this is not the case. Some could have less than ideal while other women could have more than necessary.
This situation happens in postmenopausal women and pre-menstruating girls, respectively.
In this case, bleeding could be heavy.
This is due to poor hormonal balance that disrupts the proper functioning of the ovaries. When the ovaries aren’t working properly the uterine lining development during menstruation is disturbed.
Hormonal imbalance may result in the formation of a thicker-than-necessary uterine. As such, a big endometrium develops.
Essentially the large sac holds more blood. Thus during the shedding phase, the bloody lining comes out with heavier discharge than normal.
The situation can lead to complications such as anemia. In small girls, it gradually disappears when the hormones stabilize.
But post-menopausal women require hormone supplements to treat the condition.
- Blood disorder
Some medical conditions may prevent the proper clotting of blood. Thus when you are menstruating, you lose more blood than necessary.
The most common trigger of the thinning of blood is platelet function disorder. Blood platelets are very large blood cells. Their key function is to control bleeding through a process of blood clotting.
Blood clotting is the thickening of blood so that it doesn’t ooze out a lot in case of a bruise or a cut. But when platelets are deficient, it fails to perform this task.
What causes a drop in platelet levels? Well, some medical conditions like Willebrand disease are to blame, just as some cancers are, for this condition.
There is a well-defined balance between your blood clotting cells, the white blood cells, and red blood cell counts.
The platelet counts fluctuate with the menstrual cycle. But it shouldn’t go too low. If it does, then you may experience a heavier menstrual bleed.
Other disorders that may prolong bleeding during menstruation are found in certain body organs.
The liver, kidney, and thyroid could cause some inflammation that eventually triggers excessive blood flow.
Still, the pelvic inflammatory disease and other forms of cancer, are also to blame for this situation, according to a publication on the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention website.
- Medications
Menorrhagia is another name for heavy menstrual flow. Medications and certain medical procedures may result in this condition.
Some drugs that you swallow such as Aspirin help thin your blood. Further non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen help. Besides, you can also take anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory medicines.
Even though these tablets work well in treating harmful medical conditions, they also bring other issues. These medicines may trigger prolonged bleeding during menstruation.
But other procedures could also induce substantial bleeding during your menstruation.
The intrauterine device (IUD) is a contraption meant to prevent unwanted pregnancies. In some cases, though, this brace-like metal ends up bracing the sensitive uterine lining. As a result, you may shed more blood in your periods.
If you experience increased menstrual discharge when under medications, you can ask your physician to change the prescription.
Your doctor may prescribe medicines in antifibrinolytics class. They are effective in stopping this excessive flow.
- Endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancers
Sometimes, endometrial hyperplasia can trigger the thickening of the uterine wall. This causes irregular bleeding.
Occasionally, the menstrual flow may vary widely, with some periods having heavier flow than others.
Endometrial, cervical, and ovarian cancers are some leading ailments afflicting women. But if left unattended, these may result in cancer growth in the vaginal cavity.
According to the American Cancer Society, the three cancers harm your menstruation. The onset of cancers interferes with the normal menstrual and reproductive mechanism.
Cancers cause significant changes to your menstrual cycles. And you may experience erratic tendencies.
This means that you may experience no bleeding in some months, followed by heavy discharge in others. This usually happens during the initial stage of cancer.
But as these vaginal cancers spread, they cause heavy outflow during menstruation. Still, the vaginal bleeding could persist even after your periods are over.
Not only do cancers complicate menstrual bleeding. Other issues affecting this area may also trigger menorrhagia.
Non-cancerous growths such as polyps, fibroids and adenomyosis, could also affect the uterus discharge volume.
Besides, STIs affecting the uterus, may negatively impact the smooth flow of menstruation fluid, per an article on the Cleveland Clinic website.
In extreme cases, some women experience continuous bright red blood discharge.
In brief, heavy menstrual bleeding makes ladies feel bloated, cranky, and emotional. Emotional stability and pain can make things worse for them. Understanding and knowing these causes can help women seek potential treatment options from a professional.
Why Do Periods Get Heavier As You Get Older?
As women, we go through a monthly cycle known as menstruation, or more commonly referred to as our “period”. Menstruation is a natural process that allows our bodies to prepare for a potential pregnancy. However, as we age, we may notice changes in our periods, including a decrease or increase in flow. Many women experience heavier periods as they get older, and this can be a cause of concern and discomfort. In this paper, we will explore the reasons why periods get heavier as we age, the potential health implications of heavier periods, and ways to manage and alleviate these symptoms.
Firstly, it is important to understand the normal menstrual cycle and how it changes as we age. A typical menstrual cycle lasts around 28 days and involves the shedding of the uterine lining, which is known as the endometrium. The menstrual flow is a combination of blood, tissue, and mucus from the uterus and cervix. The amount of flow can vary from person to person, but on average, a woman will lose around 30-40 milliliters of blood during their period. However, as we get older, the production of hormones that regulate our menstrual cycle, such as estrogen and progesterone, can decrease. This can result in irregular or heavier periods.
One of the main reasons for heavier periods as we age is perimenopause, which is the stage before menopause. Perimenopause usually occurs in women between the ages of 45-55 and is characterized by a decline in reproductive hormones. This hormonal imbalance can lead to an increase in the production of estrogen, causing the uterine lining to thicken and result in heavier periods. Additionally, perimenopause can also cause anovulatory cycles, where the ovaries do not release an egg, leading to heavier periods.
Another reason for heavier periods as we age is the use of certain medications. As we get older, we may develop health conditions that require the use of medications such as blood thinners, steroids, or anti-inflammatory drugs. These medications can interfere with the blood’s ability to clot, leading to heavier bleeding during periods.
Furthermore, uterine fibroids, which are benign tumors that grow in the uterus, can also contribute to heavier periods. Uterine fibroids are more common in women over the age of 40 and can cause excessive bleeding during periods. These growths can be treated with medications or surgically removed if they become problematic.
While heavier periods may be a normal part of the aging process, they can also be a sign of underlying health conditions. One such condition is endometriosis, where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus, causing heavy and painful periods. Endometriosis is more prevalent in women in their 30s and 40s and can lead to fertility issues if left untreated.
Another potential health implication of heavier periods is iron deficiency anemia. With heavy bleeding, the body loses a significant amount of iron, which can lead to anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, among other symptoms. This condition can be treated with iron supplements or through dietary changes.
To manage and alleviate symptoms of heavier periods, there are various options available. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with heavy periods. Oral contraceptives can also help regulate hormones and reduce the amount of flow during periods. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend surgical procedures such as endometrial ablation or hysterectomy, where the uterus is removed.
In conclusion, periods getting heavier as we age is a common occurrence and is often a result of hormonal changes, medication use, or underlying health conditions. It is essential to pay attention to changes in our menstrual cycle and discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider. Managing and treating heavy periods can greatly improve our quality of life and prevent potential health complications. Remember, periods are a natural part of being a woman, and we must prioritize our health and well-being as we age.
